Senior benefits in Polk County, Tennessee

Help for grandparents and other relatives who are raising a child related to them by blood or marriage. The Relative Caregiver Program is a one-stop place for information, referrals, and support that helps keep children with relatives and out of state custody. Services include case management and family advocacy (for example, going with you to custody hearings or school IEP meetings), support groups and workshops for relative caregivers, support groups for children and teens, recreation and limited respite for the children and caregivers, and emergency one-time financial or start-up help. Call 1-866-735-8752 for more information or to make a referral.

The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Polk County. It offers free information and referral, options counseling for long-term care, home-delivered and congregate meals, family caregiver support and respite, the SHIP program for Medicare counseling, the long-term care ombudsman, and help applying for public benefits. Call the toll-free line to find out what is offered locally and to get connected to services.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities pay energy bills. In Polk County it is delivered by the Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) for the state housing agency (THDA). Payment goes straight to the energy or fuel supplier. Apply through SETHRA, and call 2-1-1 (Tennessee) for help.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Polk County does not have its own hospital. The nearest acute-care hospital is Starr Regional Medical Center in Athens, in neighboring McMinn County. Starr Regional provides care regardless of ability to pay and offers financial assistance to patients who qualify. Contact the financial services office to ask about charity care and to request an application. Residents in the Cleveland direction may also use Bradley Medical Center in Bradley County.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

In this county: Polk County has no in-county hospital; residents typically use Starr Regional (Athens) or Bradley Medical Center (Cleveland). Financial assistance is income-based and reviewed case by case, so this shows as a may-qualify result.

The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) runs rural public transportation in Polk County. Rides can be scheduled to doctors, shopping, senior centers, and other places. The service is open to all county residents, and it is especially useful for older adults and people with disabilities who cannot drive. Call ahead to schedule a ride and to ask about the current fare.

Estimated service value: $150–$900 a year